What is spondylosis? How do you diagnose and treat spondylosis? Get all the answers in this comprehensive guide covering the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this spinal condition.

Understanding Spondylosis: An Overview

Spondylosis is a degenerative condition that affects the spine, where the vertebrae and intervertebral discs gradually deteriorate over time. This process can lead to the formation of bone spurs and a reduction in the height of the spongy discs, which can cause a variety of symptoms. Spondylosis can occur in the neck (cervical spine), upper and middle back (thoracic spine), or lower back (lumbar spine), with the lumbar and cervical regions being the most commonly affected areas.

Causes and Risk Factors of Spondylosis

The primary causes and risk factors for the development of spondylosis include:

• Age: As we get older, the wear and tear on the spinal ligaments, joints, and discs can lead to the degeneration associated with spondylosis.
• Spinal Injuries: Previous injuries or trauma to the spine can increase the risk of developing spondylosis later in life.
• Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may be genetically more prone to the degenerative changes that characterize spondylosis.
• Strenuous Spinal Movements: Activities that place excessive stress on the lower back can contribute to the formation of bone spurs and other spondylosis-related changes.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Spondylosis

The symptoms of spondylosis can vary widely, depending on the location and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Back and Neck Pain: The degeneration of the spine can cause pain, which may radiate to the arms or legs.
• Inflammation: The spinal changes associated with spondylosis can lead to inflammation in the affected area.
• Numbness and Tingling: Compression of the nerves by bone spurs or disc degeneration can cause numbness and tingling in the extremities.
• Muscle Spasms: The body may respond to the spinal changes with muscle spasms in the affected region.
• Sciatica: In cases of lumbar spondylosis, the pain may radiate down the leg, a condition known as sciatica.

To diagnose spondylosis, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. Additional diagnostic tests may include X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, or electromyography to measure nerve function.

Conservative Treatments for Spondylosis

In many cases, the initial treatment for spondylosis involves conservative, non-surgical approaches, including:

• Medications: Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or topical treatments to manage your symptoms.
• Self-Care: Applying heat or ice, using special pillows, and engaging in regular gentle exercise can help alleviate pain and improve function.
• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to strengthen your back and core muscles, improving spinal stability and flexibility.
• Adjunctive Therapies: Techniques like acupuncture and chiropractic spinal manipulations may provide additional relief for some individuals.

Minimally Invasive Procedures for Spondylosis

If conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, your doctor may recommend minimally invasive procedures, such as:

• Steroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the facet joints, epidural space, or intervertebral disc spaces can help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Radiofrequency Denervation: This technique involves using radiofrequency energy to disrupt the nerves transmitting pain signals, providing targeted relief.

Surgical Options for Spondylosis

In cases where conservative and minimally invasive treatments are not effective, your doctor may recommend surgical intervention to address the underlying spinal changes associated with spondylosis. Common surgical procedures include:

• Laminectomy: Removal of the bony arch (lamina) over the spinal cord to relieve pressure on the nerves.
• Discectomy: Removal of a portion of a herniated or degenerative intervertebral disc to alleviate nerve compression.
• Foraminotomy: Enlargement of the openings (foramina) through which the nerve roots emerge from the spinal column.
• Osteophyte Removal: Removal of bone spurs that are causing nerve compression.
• Corpectomy: Removal of the entire vertebral body and its associated disc to address severe spinal instability or deformity.
• Spinal Fusion: Fusion of two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and prevent further degeneration.

It’s important to note that spondylosis is a degenerative condition, and while treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent further deterioration, there is no available cure that can completely reverse the underlying spinal changes.

Lumbar Spondylosis: A Closer Look

Lumbar spondylosis, which affects the lower back, is a common condition that can cause significant pain and disability. The lumbar spine, consisting of the five vertebral bones (L1 to L5) and the intervertebral discs between them, is particularly susceptible to the degenerative changes associated with spondylosis.

The primary causes and risk factors for lumbar spondylosis include:

• Increasing Age: As we get older, the natural wear and tear on the vertebrae, joints, and discs in the lower back can lead to the development of lumbar spondylosis.
• Strenuous Spinal Movements: Activities that place excessive stress on the lower back, such as heavy lifting or prolonged poor posture, can contribute to the formation of bone spurs and other spinal changes.
• Lower Back Injuries: Previous injuries or trauma to the lower back can increase the risk of developing lumbar spondylosis later in life.

The symptoms of lumbar spondylosis can include lower back pain, inflammation, numbness and tingling in the legs, muscle spasms, and sciatica (pain radiating down the leg). Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.

Treatment for lumbar spondylosis may follow a similar approach to that of spondylosis in other spinal regions, with a focus on conservative, non-surgical therapies as the first line of defense. This may include medications, physical therapy, and adjunctive treatments like acupuncture or chiropractic care. In more severe or persistent cases, minimally invasive procedures or surgical interventions may be necessary to address the underlying spinal changes and provide relief from symptoms.

What is Spondylosis? | Spondylosis Treatment Procedure Video

Spondylosis is a condition where the bones that make up the spine (vertebrae) degenerate. Typically, this degeneration forms bony projections (bone spurs) and reduces the height of the spongy discs between the vertebrae.

Spondylosis is often called spinal osteoarthritis. It can affect the neck (cervical spine), upper, mid and lower back (thoracic spine and lumbar spine). The most common area affected is that of the lumbar spine and cervical spine.

Causes.

The causes of spondylosis are:

Age, which leads to wear and tear of spinal ligaments and bones

Weakened and degenerated intervertebral discs

Spinal cord injury

Genetic predisposition

Signs and Symptoms.

The signs and symptoms of spondylosis include:

Back and neck pain due to nerve compression

Inflammation

Numbness and tingling of arms and legs

Muscle spasms

Sciatica (low back pain extending down the leg)

Sometimes, you may have spondylosis, but not show any symptoms.

Diagnosis.

Your doctor will diagnose spondylosis after reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination.

Additional diagnostic tests for spondylosis may be ordered, including Radiology tests such as:

X-rays

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Computerized tomography (CT) scans

Myelogram

Electromyogram and nerve conduction study to measure electrical activity of the nerve

Treatment.

Treatment of spondylosis depends on the severity of symptoms.

Conservative therapy may include:

Medications.

Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, and analgesics (pain medications), muscle relaxants, anti-depressants and topical applications for relieving your neck and back pain.

Self-care.

You can use heat and/or ice therapy to lessen the pain. You can also use special cervical pillows to relieve neck pain while sleeping.

Exercises.

Your therapist will teach you exercises to strengthen your back and stomach muscles. Regular walking and yoga will also help in relieving chronic back pain.

Adjunctive therapies.

Acupuncture, which involves the insertion of very thin needles into the body, may be beneficial for back pain.

Chiropractic spinal manipulations can also be suggested to correct the spinal alignment and improve your body’s function.

Your doctor may suggest minimally invasive procedures such as steroid injection and radiofrequency denervation.

Steroids may be injected into facet joints (joints between adjacent vertebrae), epidural space (space around the spinal cord), or intervertebral disc spaces, to reduce acute pain and pain radiating into a limb.

Your doctor may also perform radiofrequency denervation technique, in which the nerves causing pain are detected and treated, to stop the transfer of pain messages.

Surgery.

Your doctor will suggest surgery if conservative treatment does not relieve pain from spondylosis. Spinal decompression surgery is a general term used for various procedures that are performed to relieve pressure on your nerves caused by compression. These include the following procedures:

Laminectomy removes the bony arches over the spinal cord to decrease the pressure on the spinal nerves.

Discectomy removes part of the intervertebral disc that is applying pressure on the nerve.

Foraminotomy enlarges the openings from which nerve roots emerge.

Osteophyte removal removes bony projections such as bone spurs which cause pinched nerves.

Corpectomy removes a vertebral body and its disc

Your surgeon may combine vertebral fusion with any of these surgical procedures in order to stabilize the spine.

Spondylosis is a degenerative process and as such, there is no available treatment for the complete reversal of the condition. Treatment is aimed at providing relief from the symptoms, preventing permanent nerve injury and to enable the patient to perform routine daily activities.

Lumbar Spondylosis – Asian Spine Hospital

Lumbar spondylosis is a condition which causes pain in the lower back due to age-related degenerative changes in the spinal discs and vertebrae. The lower back begins from the lowest rib to the upper portion of the buttock. It consists of 5 vertebral bones named L1 to L5, with 5 intervertebral discs located between them. This lower back region is known as the lumbar spine. Degeneration of the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and their facet joints in this lumbar region leads to lumbar spondylosis.

Causes and risk factors of Lumbar Spondylosis

The causes and risk factors of lumbar spondylosis includes:

• Increasing age: With increasing age the vertebrae, bones and joints, and intervertebral discs undergo natural wear and tear and become weak.
• Strenuous spinal movements: Activities with excess stress on the lower back can lead to formation of bone spurs, causing pain.
• Lower back injuries: Any previous injuries to the lower back have chances to eventually cause lumbar spondylosis.
• Prolonged sitting periods: Prolonged sitting positions can increase pressure on the lumbar spine, leading to lumbar spondylosis.
• Obesity: Being overweight increases the load on the lumbar region of the spine, leading to higher risk of developing lumbar spondylosis.

Other risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Genetics
• External injuries
• Lifestyle factors
• Occupational or physical activities involving additional strain on lower back.

Signs and symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis

Signs and symptoms may vary due to the different causative factors of lumbar spondylosis. A few of the common signs and symptoms include:

• Lower back pain
• Stiffness after prolonged periods of inactivity
• Radiating pain from the lower back to legs or buttock region
• Reduced flexibility and movement in the lower back
• Abnormal sensations of tingling and numbness
• Weakness of leg muscles.

Diagnosis of Lumbar Spondylosis

Lumbar spondylosis is diagnosed based on medical history, physical and neurological examination and diagnostic scans.

Physical examination: The physical examination may include palpation to assess tenderness and muscle spasms, measurement of degree of motion, and neurological evaluation of reflexes to test the pain, tingling and numbness sensations.

Diagnostic scans: Diagnostic scans may include a CT scan and MRI. CT scan helps to identify any bone growths or spondylosis-related bone changes. MRI is a great diagnostic tool to clearly visualize minute details of spinal ligaments, nerves, vertebrae, facets and intervertebral discs to detect abnormalities.

Treatment of Lumbar Spondylosis

Management of lumbar spondylosis is divided into four categories. They include: Physical therapy, medications, injection therapy and surgical interventions.

Physical therapy: Physical therapy may include strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercises. Other approaches include massage therapy, spine manipulation and lumbar back support for spine stability and reduction of forces.

Medications: Pain relieving medications such as Non-Steroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants are given. Opioid medications are used as alternatives for patients with poor pain relief with NSAIDs and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Injection therapy: Symptomatic relief may be provided with epidural steroid injections, facet injections and sacroiliac (SI) joint injections. Epidural steroid injections are given in the epidural space at the desired vertebral area. Facet injections are given in the joint space between consecutive vertebrae. SI joint injections are given in the joint space between the spine and the pelvis.

Surgical interventions: Surgical interventions are considered in patients who have shown poor outcomes with conservative management. The two main aspects in surgical intervention for lumbar spondylosis are spinal fusion and decompression. Decompression is the removal of tissues to relieve nerve impingement followed by stabilization.

Transforaminal lumbar endoscopic interbody fusion is a minimal invasion endoscopic technique for spinal fusion. It uses smaller incisions and instruments with minimal blood loss, lesser trauma and faster recovery.

Treatments

Full Endoscopic lumbar canal stenosis decompression

Full Endoscopic Lateral Recess Stenosis Decompression

Full Endoscopic spinal fusion

Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)

Minimal Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion

Instrumented Spinal Fusion

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Treatment of spondylosis of the thoracic spine in Moscow at the Dikul clinic: prices, appointments

Spondylosis is a degenerative process that affects the anatomical structures of the spine. This is a condition that usually develops with age, when the bones gradually wear down from prolonged use, leading to the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes). Spondylosis is a general term used to describe a general deterioration in the condition of the spine.

More than 80% of people over 40 years old show signs of spondylosis on x-rays. It is believed that most cases are associated with a genetic predisposition and the presence of trauma.

Spondylosis in the thoracic spine develops much less frequently than in the lumbar or cervical regions, which is associated with the anatomical rigidity of this region of the spine. Nevertheless, timely diagnosis and treatment of spondylosis of the thoracic spine is necessary to avoid neurological complications.

What is thoracic spondylosis?

The basic definition of thoracic spondylosis is that it is a condition that can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal at the top and middle of the spinal column, resulting in compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. In the long term, this compression can damage these structures, causing symptoms such as weakness and numbness in the upper limbs, difficulty walking, and even pain that radiates to the arms.

Back pain is one of the most common types of pain that people experience as they age. These pain manifestations often appear due to the natural deterioration of the bones of the spine as a result of age-related wear of the musculoskeletal system.

The thoracic vertebrae are located in the middle of the spine, and the range of motion in this section of the spinal column is much less than in the cervical and lumbar sections.

Degeneration of the thoracic spine is not as common as in the neck or lower back. The main cause of degeneration are age-related risk factors. The spinal column consists of several bony segments separated by cartilage pads (discs) that soften the impact of the vertebrae against each other and reduce the overall load on the spine. These gel-like pads of cartilage are called discs, and over time, natural involutional changes in the body lead to dehydration of the disc cartilage and loss of functionality, resulting in back pain. There is also a risk of disc protrusions or herniations as the spondylosis progresses gradually.

The thinning of the protective cartilage also allows the vertebrae to move closer together, leading to progressive damage to the spinal structures.

Thoracic spondylosis can also lead to a condition called spinal stenosis, in which narrowing of the spinal canal occurs, resulting in compression of nerve structures with pain and other neurological symptoms. The development of bony spines (osteophytes) can lead to pressure on the spinal nerve roots, which also results in pain.

Causes and symptoms of thoracic spondylosis

Causes of thoracic spondylosis

Age is the main cause of thoracic spondylosis. Most cases of spondylosis of the thoracic spine develop in people over 45 years of age. Due to the natural involutionary aging process, the discs in the spine begin to wear out and lose their strength and function. This can lead to rupture of the fibrous annulus of the discs and the formation of herniated discs or protrusions. These degrading discs do not perform their shock-absorbing functions, which leads to excessive stress on the joints, muscles, ligaments and back pain.

Symptoms

Since functionally the thoracic spine is not as loaded as the cervical and lumbar spine, thoracic spondylosis develops as a result of spinal degeneration in other regions. Some of the common symptoms of thoracic spondylosis are:

• Pain in the upper back, especially in the morning when the person gets up
• Stiffness in middle or upper back
• Numbness and tingling in upper and lower limbs
• Muscle weakness
• Discoordination
• Trouble walking

Diagnosis of thoracic spondylosis

Specialists who diagnose and treat spondylosis of the thoracic spine are neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedists, physiotherapists, exercise therapy doctors.

Thoracic spondylosis can be diagnosed by physical examination and medical imaging :

• The doctor will take a medical history and medical history, as well as a detailed physical examination of the spine and neurological tests.
• Imaging tests such as x-rays, computed tomography or MRI of the thoracic spine may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis, which will determine the degree of degeneration of the thoracic spine

Treatment of thoracic spondylosis

Conservative treatment

Symptoms of thoracic spondylosis can range from mild and occasional discomfort to intense and chronic pain. Spondylosis affects the facet joints in the spine, significantly reducing mobility in the motor segments. Fortunately, most people with thoracic spondylosis do not need surgery. The following conservative treatments are the most common

• Acupuncture is a popular treatment used to relieve back and neck pain. Tiny needles, about the size of a human hair, are inserted into specific points on the body. Each needle can be swirled, electrically stimulated or heated to enhance the effect of the treatment. Acupuncture is thought to work (in part) by stimulating the body to produce certain chemicals that help reduce pain.

• Bed rest : In severe cases of spondylosis, bed rest may be required (no more than 1-3 days). Long-term bed rest should be avoided as the risk of deep vein thrombosis increases.

Use of corsets : temporary fixation (1 week) may help relieve symptoms, but long-term use of a corset is not recommended. Corsets worn for a long time weaken the back muscles and can increase pain if not worn consistently. Physical therapy (exercise therapy) is more beneficial as it strengthens the muscles.

• Chiropractic : Chiropractors believe that a healthy nervous system is synonymous with a healthy body. A subluxation or misalignment of a vertebra can lead to nerve damage and back and neck pain. Spinal manipulations, which the chiropractor performs with his hands, can eliminate subluxations and increase the mobility of motor segments.

• Lifestyle Modification : Losing and maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthy nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking are important “healthy habits” that help spinal function at any age.

Medicines

• Muscle relaxers: Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle spasm and pain.
• Narcotics (opioids) may be given for short periods of time to relieve acute pain.
• NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve inflammation, which often contributes to pain.

It is not recommended to take NSAIDs alone, especially for a long time, as this can lead to serious side effects and adverse effects on the body.

• Physical Therapy – combines passive treatment with therapeutic exercises. Passive therapies include heat/ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to relieve muscle spasm and pain. Therapeutic exercises allow the patient to increase flexibility and range of motion while building muscle strength.

Patients should not be afraid of physical therapy. Even patients experiencing pain and difficulty walking have found that isometric exercises have some effectiveness.

• Spinal Injections : There are many types of spinal injections, including epidural steroids and facet joint injections. These injections use a combination of local anesthetics and steroids to reduce inflammation in the nerve tissue and often help relieve pain.

• Hydrotherapy : By using the softening effect of water, hydrotherapy can treat various bone and joint pains. It differs from swimming in that it involves exercises that the patient does in warm water, usually between 35-37 degrees.

• Taping : This is a technique used for injury prevention or rehabilitation. Physiotherapists are specially trained in how to effectively apply tape to the skin to keep certain muscles or bones stable. Benefits of using this treatment include:

• Injury prevention
• Ability to return to sports or work faster
• Protection of damaged soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons or fascia
• Improving mobility
• Pain relief
• Reducing the risk of re-injury
• Improving joint stability
• Reduce swelling

• Postural Realignment : If symptoms are the result of years of poor posture, realignment of the spinal bones combined with postural exercises can help relieve back pain. Often, this includes assessing your current posture, helping to identify any tight or weak muscles that may be causing back pain. Next, the doctor gives advice on how to make changes in posture – sitting, standing and handling objects properly. A selection of exercises with stretching and strengthening the back muscles is also carried out, which helps to improve posture.

• Soft Tissue Management : Includes assessment and treatment of any soft tissue injury causing pain and dysfunction. Soft tissue includes ligaments, tendons, muscles and fascia. Soft tissue treatments include myofascial release, massage, heat therapy, stretching, and electrotherapy.

Soft tissue treatment benefits include:

• Faster recovery from injury
• Reducing the risk of re-injury
• Increased functionality
• Accelerated healing process
• Increased mobility
• Increase in muscle strength
• Reduce swelling
• Soft Tissue Lengthening
• Increased range of motion
• Pain relief

Surgical treatment

Very few patients with thoracic spondylosis require surgery, as conservative treatments usually improve symptoms.

However, some patients may have persistent neurological deficits; symptoms such as weakness, gait disturbance, or development of spinal instability. The type of operation is determined by the cause of persistent neurological symptoms. For example, it may be necessary to surgically remove bony spines (osteophytes) or parts of a disc that are compressing the spinal nerve roots or causing compression of the spinal cord. Depending on the extent of the surgery, a spinal fusion may be required to stabilize the spine.

Fortunately, modern minimally invasive spinal surgery significantly reduces the risks of surgery, speeds up the recovery of spinal function and allows patients to return to normal activities earlier than with conventional surgery.

Spondylosis in dogs: causes, treatment and prevention

Treatment of spondylosis in dogs
with VECARTIS®

Did you know that spondylosis in dogs is a common condition? It occurs when the vertebrae in the spine fuse together in one or more places. Although the disease cannot be cured, there are many treatment options available that can help your pet feel more comfortable if they show symptoms of pain and discomfort. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms and treatment options.

Article content

1. Definition
2. Why does it happen
3. What causes spondylosis in dogs?
4. What are the symptoms
5. How is it diagnosed?
6. What are the treatment options

Definition

Spondylosis is defined as a non-inflammatory degenerative disease of the bodies of individual vertebrae. The growth of new bone in the form of bone spurs or osteophytes at the end plates of the vertebral bodies may be strong enough to result in bony fusion between the two vertebral bodies. This leads to insufficient mobility of the spine.

Why does it occur?

Degeneration of the intervertebral discs is characterized by a change in the biochemical composition and their mechanical integrity. In the degenerated process, the content of glycosaminoglycans decreases and the content of denatured collagen increases. The power between the disk space is broken. There is a decrease in the content of liquid in it. Dehydration leads to rupture of the annulus and/or disc herniation, resulting in pain and/or neurological symptoms. Degeneration of the intervertebral discs impairs the function of the spine (ligaments, facet joints, vertebral body), causing secondary osteoarthritic changes, bone sclerosis, spondylosis, as well as neurological signs due to impaired conduction of nerve fibers due to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Typical sites of occurrence include the thoracic, lumbar vertebrae, and the lumbosacral junction. The disease affects one or more parts of the spine.

What causes spondylosis in dogs?

Since the disease usually strikes individuals with age, it is believed to be caused by the normal and natural degeneration of the vertebral bones. Some dogs can develop spondylosis if they have had a previous spinal injury. It is also believed that there may be a genetic predisposition to this disease.

The disease usually affects medium and large breeds, and its frequency increases with age. Prevalence rates can be as high as 75% in dogs older than 9 years. The disease can be observed in young dogs with a genetic predisposition.

What are the symptoms?

In most pets, the disease is asymptomatic until a certain point, this condition is not of great clinical significance. However, as spondylosis progresses and affects multiple regions of the spine, followed by complete fusion between the vertebral bodies, clinical symptoms may become apparent at any stage of this process. Typical symptoms may include:

• Back pain
• Unwillingness or difficulty getting up from a lying position
• Reluctance to exercise or play
• Reluctance to jump or go up and down stairs
• unilateral or bilateral lameness
• finger dragging
• low tail or neck position
• Urinary or fecal incontinence

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, it is important to take it to a veterinarian for a diagnosis. Spondylosis can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those seen in other diseases.

How is it diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will likely perform a physical examination and take x-rays (x-rays) of your dog to make a diagnosis. X-rays will help determine the location, severity of any bone growths such as bone spurs, osteophytes, and will also allow you to assess the severity and extent of the disease.

What are the treatment options?

Current treatments for canine intervertebral disc disease focus on pain relief, including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory/pain medications, and surgery.

• Weight Management – Maintaining a healthy weight helps relieve stress on the spine.
• Exercise – Moderate controlled exercise is important for maintaining muscle tone and flexibility. Swimming is a great low-impact activity. Only a specialist should select exercises!
• Nutrition – A balanced, nutritious diet helps maintain overall health.
• Pain relief – Pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help control pain and inflammation.
• Analgesics – in some cases, drugs that act on the nervous system may be required to relieve pain.
• Surgical intervention is used quite rarely to reduce the compression of nerve structures. Surgical treatments can eliminate neurological deficits and reduce pain.

The prognosis for dogs with spondylosis is usually good. As a rule, treatment is necessary throughout the life of the pet, since the disease has a progressive form.

To date, the only known way to stop interdiscal degenerative processes is multipotent mesenchymal stem cells – these are adult stem cells obtained, as a rule, from adipose tissue, as from available biological material. Stem cells stimulate cell proliferation and synthesis of the intervertebral disc matrix with their exogenous growth factors, thereby changing its homeostasis. They also inhibit catabolic processes and stimulate anabolic ones. This leads to the restoration of nutrition of the intervertebral discs, the relief of degenerative processes, and sometimes to an almost complete restoration of their function. Stem cell preparations are produced in highly qualified laboratories, so, unfortunately, you will not find them on the pharmacy shelves. One of such preparations is the Russian bioveterinary cell preparation Vekartis® .

In conclusion, canine spondylosis is a common degenerative disease of the spine that typically affects medium to large dogs as they age. The disease is caused by abnormal bone growth in the spine, leading to progressive weakness and pain. Dogs affected by this disease often show signs of pain, unwillingness to move, and difficulty standing or walking. The condition is diagnosed based on a physical examination and an X-ray of the spine (X-ray). Spondylosis is a disease of the spine, therefore, it can be accompanied by neurological pathologies. If your dog shows signs of illness, you should definitely contact your veterinarian.